Leonardo Da Vinci, the Italian artist, inventor and missionary first realized in 1508 and indicated that it was possible to place something directly on the eyes in order to provide an improvement on eyesight. Encouraged by this finding, Da Vinci increased his observations and findings and was successful in passing then on to others. Rene Descartes, Thomas Young (in 1801) and Adolf Fick (in 1888) followed suit in the search for improvements of the contact lenses. Each of them made significant contributions, but it was Adolf Fick who achieved maximum success by actually fiting contact lenses on the eyes, which were made of blown glass. “Contact lenses are an optical aid placed directly in front of the eyes to correct visual refractive errors. These include far-sightedness, near -sightedness, astigmatism or even presbyopia (problem focusing at near distance),” explained Dr. John Patrick Guinto, an Optometrist from the Philippines, who has been working in Riyadh for a number of years, in an interview with Saudi Gazette. He received his Doctorate in Optometry from Centro Escolar University in Manila. The development of contact lenses since the very beginning have undergone numerous changes. Gradually, doctors have thoroughly investigated the eye with dedication, passion and conviction. “Numerous positive changes have greatly increased the interest and the participation of the general public in the use of contact lenses. Lubrication and moisture have been added, providing maximum comfort for the wearer of the contact lenses; protection against harmful Ultra Violet rays from the sun and good oxygen transmission have been included so that the eyes can breathe freely and to prevent redness in the eyes,” indicated Dr. Guinto. Contact lenses for cosmetic use have become an enormous market, internationally. Cosmetic use means the use of contact lenses in order to avoid the use of regular glasses in order to attain and maintain the ‘beauty' of the user. “Women and even men in today's world will do and wear anything that they feel will keep then as good looking as possible,” added Dr. Guinto. Contact lenses have therefore also started appearing as make-up add-ons. Users these days have the option to select a particular shade of eye-color in order to adopt a new look or go for clear lenses that eradicate the need to wear glasses. Contrary to popular perception, contact lenses may be used by teenagers, though the age limit varies from person to person. Dr. Guinto stressed, however, that “colored lenses may be used when there is an eye defect from birth or from surgery”, indicating that colored lenses do not just fulfill fashion requirements. Lenses are available for one day, two weeks disposable, a month, two months and up to six months. Ultimately, all contact lenses are disposable but those lasting for up to two months are often referred to as “disposable”. “The shorter the period, the better the lenses work, in order to avoid complications and to be more hygienic,” Dr. Guinto advised. “It is critical that purchasers of contact lenses be educated about the proper care the lenses require for safety, hygiene and durability purposes. This includes the proper method for insertion and removal as well as the risk of infection by handling the lenses with dirty hands or long nails.” Lenses also vary in their form so it is important to know what materials they are made of. “Hard contact lenses are made of very thing glass and are usually worn only for therapeutic reasons while soft lenses - forming a huge majority - are normally made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel and are much softer, as their name suggests,” explained Dr. Guinto. “Due to comfort and other issues, most user prefer the latter.” Dr. Guinto is enthusiastic about new developments. “Recently I attended a seminar conducted by Johnson and Johnson's Acuvue in the United States, who introduced their new product. In the future I plan to attend seminars, lectures and conventions worldwide in order to provide Saudi men, women with the latest innovations that will produce the very best optometry advances and improvements,” he stated.
